We have never been theologians: postsecularism and practical theology

Walton, H. (2018) We have never been theologians: postsecularism and practical theology. Practical Theology, 11(3), pp. 218-230. (doi: 10.1080/1756073X.2018.1461489)

Abstract

This article makes a clear challenge to portrayals of secularism and secularity that have become hugely influential within contemporary theology. It demonstrates how the theological concepts of immanence and transcendence have been mobilised as ciphers in cultural debate and argues that this has perpetuated unhelpful binary thinking about faith and culture. Drawing upon the work of Bruno Latour it constructs a case for an alternative mode of theological engagement with the way we live now. This will present a radical agenda for practical theology which has yet to make its own distinctive response to the challenges of postsecular enchantment. Practical theologians are urged to draw upon the traditional strengths of their discipline and combine creative new thinking with a recovery of insights from the arts of ministry.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Walton, Professor Heather
• Authors: Walton, H.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Journal Name: Practical Theology
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 1756-073X
• ISSN (Online): 1756-0748
• Published Online: 11 April 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Contact Pastoral Trust
• First Published: First published in Practical Theology 11(3): 218-230
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy